Resources

WellPATH believes in providing resources that will enhance your quality of life and bring you the latest health and wellness information. These resources are for you to research at your own discretion. The Joint Health Management Board of Fresno Unified School District does not favor or endorse any of the listed resources.

Diabetes Resource Guide

Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes?

WellPATH has collaborated with community partners to create a Fresno County Diabetes Resource Guide. Take a moment to check out this helpful new resource guide and find out more information about the valuable programs and resources currently taking place in our area, including:

December 2017 – Featured Vendor

Happy Holidays! This is a wonderful time of year when we get to spend quality time with friends, family, and loved ones. This is the season that we take the extra time to think about others. We ponder what would make those close to us happy and what can we can do for those who are less fortunate.

Sometimes we forget it is also a time that can be stressful and wear us down emotionally and physically. Don’t forget to remember your own health and well-being this season! Take time to Discover Acupuncture. This ancient medicine offers a myriad of benefits for both body and mind.

Many people use acupuncture for stress reduction and notice a greater sense of lightness and evenness to their moods. Regular acupuncture treatments are a great way to stay healthy and mentally balanced during high-stress times. Acupuncture can be used to treat an impressive number of conditions.

6. Boosts the immune system thus counteracting the effects of stress and illness

7. Promotes relaxation and sleep

8. Great form of pain management for: gastric bypass recipients, diabetics and those intolerant to medication

If you are not familiar with Acupuncture, it is considered evidence-based medicine. It is a conservative, non-invasive pain-free therapy. Acupuncture can be done in conjunction with another therapy or by itself. Everyone can benefit from acupuncture. Under your benefit, there is no physician referral necessary.

Acupuncture has become a mainstream therapy due to the high patient demand. Not all employers offer acupuncture. Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) recognizes the importance of keeping their employees healthy and happy by offering this benefit.

Self-Care Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

Remember to care of your own health and wellness. Make time for YOU! This season, you will be better able to manage the shopping, meal planning, parties and celebrations if you are on top of your game. Make this holiday season as enjoyable as possible by making sure you feel your best!

Top 5 Self-Care Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress:

1. Drink plenty of water

2. Try to “go with the flow”

3. Get out and appreciate nature

4. Strive for balance

5. Remember your inner healing power

PhysMetrics (formerly Chirometrics) is a full-service complementary health management company providing chiropractic and acupuncture services to District benefit-eligible employees.

November 2017 – Featured Vendor

Tips for a Healthy, yet Tasty Thanksgiving Dinner

Healthy doesn’t mean tasteless! The secret? Incorporating wholesome ingredients, making a few substitutions and utilizing healthier cooking techniques. As you put together your Thanksgiving dinner menu, take a few minutes to review your favorite recipes and think about how you can make those dishes healthier without losing the flavor.

Mac and cheese: Start by choosing whole grain pasta; opt for low-fat, skim milk cheeses and non-fat cream; cut the amount of cheese and cream you use by adding pureed carrots and butternut squash.

Mashed potatoes: Swap out the butter for a little olive oil and roasted garlic and the heavy cream for fat-free condensed milk or Greek yogurt.

Stuffing: Pack it with vegetables and use whole wheat bread (crumbs); also, omit the high-sodium bouillon and flavor it with fresh herbs.

Cranberry sauce: Skip the canned stuff and make your own; use a no calorie sweetener instead of traditional sugar and add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or add orange zest for some extra flavoring.

Dessert: Pumpkin pie is the “healthiest” of all the pies, but that doesn’t mean you can have the whole thing and pile the whip cream on top! Go for a small slice; if possible, eat around the crust. A great alternative is to simply roast slices of pumpkin or sweet potatoes (both high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant and fat-soluble vitamin) and toss them in a little brown sugar with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Try something new: Choose whole-wheat rolls instead of biscuits or plain rolls. Try making your own corn bread using olive or canola oil or plain low-fat yogurt. You can also create a side dish using a whole grain. Try tossing together some whole-wheat couscous or quinoa with roasted veggies for a filling and tasty dish.

Is it the Holiday Blues or Something More?

For many people, the holidays are a time of joy and celebration — a time when we focus on visiting with family, sharing meals and bundling up to enjoy winter activities.

Unfortunately, for some people, winter and the holiday season mean shorter days, increased stress and loneliness. When you’re depressed, holidays can be hard. They may bring up bad memories, or you may feel as if you’re outside looking in at people who are having a good time. We all feel blue sometimes, but how do you know if it is the blues or something more serious?

“Depression is a very common and a very normal situation to feel from time to time,” according to Mason Turner, MD, chief of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco.

During the holidays, you might feel sadness or loneliness if you can’t be with loved ones, or if challenging family dynamics cause stress. If you are depressed and not just blue, sad feelings are more frequent, last longer and are more intense than usual. And you are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 350 million people of all ages around the world suffer from depression.

If you think you may be suffering from depression, it is important to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician or a behavioral health specialist.

October 2017 – Featured Vendor

The Joint Health Management Board provides 24/7 EAP services to you and your family members in the immediate household through Claremont EAP. It’s free. It’s confidential. No forms, no copays, no deductibles. Why not call?

Counseling Services

– In response to the recent attack in Las Vegas, Claremont has provided resources to help deal with traumatic events. For more details, read the full announcement.

– In response to the recent fires in Northern and Southern California, Claremont has provided resources to help deal with these recent events. For more details, read the full announcement.

– Free counseling sessions with a licensed clinician in private practice. Counseling can be for individuals, couples and families. In person or via video.

Legal & Financial Support

– Free legal consultations!

– You can do a Simple Will for free.

– Free financial consultations!

– You get free Credit Reports every year (and they do come with a credit score).

Family Support Services

– Looking for child care services? Claremont will generate a customized report for you, with a listing of appropriate services and other helpful information.

Contact Claremont EAP

Other Resources from Claremont EAP

Upcoming EAP Webinars

October: Surviving and Enjoying the Six Stages of Parenthood
In this session we will examine, not child, but parental development from the prenatal phase through the empty nest, or departure phase, combining the human development theories of Freud and Erikson with concrete, contemporary insights from the book, “The Six Stages of Parenting”. Join us on Tuesday, October 17thTo register, please click here.

November: Elder Law Basics
Estate and long-term care planning are imperative to ensure a smooth transition into the later part of your life. We will discuss what Elder Law encompasses and how an Elder Law attorney can help you as you age. The discussion will focus on estate documents such as powers of attorney, healthcare directives, living wills, wills and trusts and will discuss long-term care planning including the different programs and planning available to help with the costs of long-term care and protecting your assets for your loved ones. Join us and take an active role in planning your future on Tuesday, November 21stTo register, please click here.

December: Emotional Composure – Remaining Unruffled & Dynamic Under Stress
Emotions are a healthy part of the human experience. Acknowledging emotions and understanding your personal stress style is the first step in beginning to control them. In this session, we will discuss a selection of customary stressors as well as techniques for exercising control over them. Join us on Tuesday, December 19thTo register, please click here.

September 2017 – Featured Vendor

Delta Health Systems now has the option for you to receive electronic Explanation of Benefits (EOBs). By following the simple instructions in the flyers provided below, you can choose to opt-in to receive electronic copies only. Once this change is made, you will receive an email every 21 days if you or a family member has received care. You will still be able to view and print EOBs via the Delta Health Systems website once a claim is processed.

NOTE: Dependents over the age of 18 must log in and select their option separately.

If you do not login and select this option, you will continue to receive episodic EOBs paper copies in the mail every 21 days. Please download and review the appropriate flyer below for more information.

Download the Flyer in English

Download the Flyer in Spanish

August 2017 – Featured Vendor

Avante Health is a locally owned mental health and substance abuse insurance provider. Avante Health has been providing the Mental Health and Substance Abuse coverage for Fresno Unified School District members since 2009.

Avante Health exists to assist our members in obtaining the highest quality mental health treatment services available in the Central Valley.

We provide authorization for services which include mental health evaluations, counseling/psychotherapy, medication evaluations and treatment by psychiatrists, inpatient hospitalizations, and treatment services for chemical dependency.

Avante Health contracts with professionals in the local community who must meet rigorous standards of providing treatment which is effective and consistent with identified standards of care.

If you need to seek mental health or substance abuse treatment, we are here to assist you. The first step in this process is to call and speak with one of our clinical staff. They will evaluate your needs and make the appropriate referrals. The number to call is (559) 261-9050.

Our website – www.AvanteHealth.com – also contains many useful articles and videos pertaining to the services we offer, including links/videos about:

July 2017 – Featured Vendor

Know Where to Go for Care, Before You Need It

Knowing where to go if you get sick or hurt can save you lots of time and money, and help you get the best medical care. How do you choose where to go when the unexpected happens? The emergency room (ER) shouldn’t be your first stop — unless there’s a true emergency. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if:

– There is a lot of pain or bleeding.

– You think a bone is broken.

– You are having trouble breathing.

– You think the problem might get a lot worse if you don’t get help right away.

– You think the problem could kill you.

– There was no warning before your symptoms started.

If you need help but it isn’t an emergency, follow these steps:

– Call your doctor. He or she can help you decide whether you should go to an urgent care or come into the office.

– Go to a retail health clinic. These are small offices in drug stores or other large stores. They are open on weekends, evenings and most holidays. If the clinic can’t help you, they’ll tell you where to go next and you won’t have to pay.

– Go to an urgent care center. Urgent care is for when you need to be treated right away, but your problem isn’t serious. These centers are open late at night, and on weekends and holidays.

Download Additional Resources

Learn more about choosing where to go for services, as well as information about choosing a doctor, by checking out the following downloads from Anthem Blue Cross:

June 2017 – Featured Vendor

Picking the Right Sunscreen for Your Family

With so many sunscreen options, picking the right one can become a daunting task. My recommendation? Choose the one you’ll wear! Pick something you’re comfortable using on a regular basis. After all, any sun protection is better than none.

So why so much emphasis on regular sunscreen use? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than five million skin cancer cases are diagnosed annually. While some people are at an increased risk for skin cancer, individuals of all ethnicities and skin tones can develop it.

The cause? The most significant risk is overexposure to ultraviolet light. The sun’s ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays (UVA and UVB), as well as the lights used in tanning beds, damage our skin, causing early wrinkles, skin cancer and other skin problems even when we don’t burn. That golden tan that people yearn for is the body’s attempt to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Now let’s talk about sunscreen and how it protects our skin. There are two types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens, also called mineral or natural sunscreens, use UV filters to reflect and bounce light right off the skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use active ingredients to absorb UV radiation, preventing them from penetrating the skin cells and causing damage to their DNA. Most physical sunscreens naturally have a broader spectrum of activity, blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens, however, combine multiple active ingredients to provide broad-spectrum coverage.

Patients often ask, “what sunscreen should I use?” and I explain that it depends on their individual skincare needs. For example, physical sunscreens made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide tend to be better for patients with sensitive skin, since it doesn’t get absorbed into the skin. Chemical sunscreens, which are absorbed into the skin, are made with chemical UV filters – most commonly oxybenzone, homosalate and octinoxate – and some people have higher rates of allergic reaction to them. People with sensitive skin should also opt for products that are fragrance free and dye free, with as few extra ingredients and preservatives as possible.

One key difference between physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is the texture. Physical sunscreens tend to be thicker and can leave a chalky cast on the skin. Chemical sunscreens appear white upon application, but are quickly absorbed into the skin. If you have any concerns about skin sensitivity or the risk of absorbing small amounts of chemical filters, opt for a physical sunscreen. But if you’re concerned with the texture or appearance of a physical sunscreen, opt for a chemical sunscreen instead. Either way, the benefit of blocking UV rays far outweighs any risks of using sunscreen – no matter the type.

If a person’s skin type falls into the normal category, I recommend choosing a sunscreen that best meets their personal preference and lifestyle needs. The various sunscreen applications – cream, lotion, stick, spray and gel – are all practically equally efficient at protecting the skin from UV rays.

If you or your child is prone to breakout, however, I recommend that you opt for an oil-free formula that’s non-comedogenic. These are water-based instead of oil-based, so they’re lightweight and won’t clog skin pores. They’re also less likely to aggravate acne. Additionally, because many acne medications and acne treatments can cause sun sensitivity, making the skin more vulnerable to burns, it’s especially important that acne patients adequately protect their skin. Another great option for acne patients are sunscreen powders.

For people with dry skin, I recommend a hydrating lotion or cream-based formula.

Finally, no matter what sunscreen you use, keep these points in mind:

– Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, even on cloudy days

– Reapply every two hours

– Apply enough to cover the entire body – usually about 1 ounce or 5-6 teaspoons

WellPATH Healthy Minute

May 2017 – Featured Vendor

The Life Services Toolkit From The Standard

Your day doesn’t end when the bell rings. You’re so busy helping others, you end up postponing your own life and important goals. Like financial planning. Making a will. Or even taking care of your health. Here’s an easy way to check off key tasks without spending a lot of time or money. Check out the Life Services Toolkit, a service available with your Group Life insurance from Standard Insurance Company.

You’ll find valuable tools and links to key resources. You can use them to cross more off your list. Then move on to your next big day with less on your mind. Life services you can access anytime:

– Online will preparation: Find the legal forms needed to prepare a state-specific will

– Financial planning: Use online calculators to help determine retirement income, how much to save for kids’ college, estimate mortgage payments and more

Resources For You and Your Family

The Life Services Toolkit is provided through an arrangement with Bensinger, DuPont & Associates (BDA) and is not affiliated with The Standard. BDA is solely responsible for providing and administering the included service. This service is not an insurance product.

The Standard is a marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries. Insurance products are offered by Standard Insurance Company of 1100 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, Oregon in all states except New York. Product features and availability vary by state and are solely the responsibility of Standard Insurance Company.

WellPATH Healthy Minute

April 2017 – Featured Vendor

Personal concerns can impact your work performance and overall functioning. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps you resolve personal issues before they become more serious and difficult to manage. You and your family members can receive professional, confidential counseling at no cost. The EAP also provides access to resources that can help you address virtually any personal concern or question, including monthly webinars.

The Importance of Self-Care

Anyone who has flown commercially is familiar with the safety speech at the beginning of the flight. You are advised in the event of a loss of cabin pressure to put on your own oxygen mask first and then help others. Why?

If you are unconscious, you are not much good to anyone else. The same is true in life. If you don’t take care of yourself first, then you will have less to share with anyone else. Let me be very clear here, taking care of yourself first is not acting selfishly. When we exhaust ourselves trying to meet others’ needs, we finally collapse under the load and are useless to everyone.

If you have a tendency to put others’ needs ahead of your own, you probably feel guilty and selfish every time you do something for yourself.

The problem is that you will not be able to live a full and meaningful life, learning and growing stronger from adversity, if you don’t take care of yourself.

– What are the different results from either caring for or neglecting yourself?

– Are you taking good care of yourself?

– Four very common reasons why it’s difficult to care for yourself

– Four approaches that will lead to a long and resilient life

4 Great Strategies for Gratitude

Much of the research on happiness can be boiled down to one main prescription: give thanks. Practicing gratitude has been found to increase positive emotions, reduce the risk of depression, heighten relationship satisfaction, and increase resilience in the face of stressful life events.

The challenge is, gratitude doesn’t always come easily. The negatives in our lives sometimes occupy more of our attention than the positives.

WellPATH Healthy Minute

March 2017

Featured Vendor

Preserving Your Precious Gift of Sight

Of all of the human senses, vision is typically regarded as the one that has the most ‘value’ to quality of life and is labeled as the “Precious Gift of Sight”. Loss of sight would have a devastating effect on all of us and would most definitely be an impact that would affect us for our entire lives.

Most people that visit an eyecare specialist do so when their vision is blurry, or our eyes are reddened, or we seem to be having difficulty reading that small print. Many people regard a vision plan as something that is only needed for those that need glasses.

The reality is that everyone needs to have regular eye examinations as a key part of an overall wellness program.

More than half of vision problems may be prevented by regular vision care examinations.

Routine eye examinations may also detect other illnesses, such as glaucoma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, brain tumors, or multiple sclerosis.

One of every four children has a vision problem. Early detection can enhance a child’s growth and development.

Good vision is an essential component of a safe work environment.

Proper eyewear on the job can mean much less time lost/employee absenteeism due to injuries and chronic eye-related problems such as headaches, neck and back strain, and eyestrain.
Today’s workforce spends more time using computers. As a result, ninety (90%) percent of employees suffer from eyestrain, giving rise to productivity concerns.

Vision insurance is a wellness benefit. Meaning, you do not have to be sick to use it. In fact, regular eye routine examinations can help you guard against becoming ill.

Download a more detailed PDF with the facts about Glaucoma, its risks, and tips living with the condition.

WellPATH Healthy Minute

February 2017

Featured Vendor

Healthy Kids, Healthy Teeth

This February, brush up on your dental know-how in time for Children’s Dental Health Month. At what age should a baby first see the dentist? What can you do to prevent baby bottle tooth decay? How much toothpaste should a toddler use?

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Contact JHMB

If you have questions regarding your benefits, wellness offerings, and/or information provided on this site, you can send a message to the JHMB. We will attempt to respond to all messages within 1 business day.